The Kampung Susun Solution Indonesian Take on Tropical Vertical Housing

Abstract

The property is one of the human rights outlined in Article 17 of The Universal Declaration on Human Rights by the United Nations, with housing being a crucial aspect, it highlighted that a decent dwelling can enhances one's quality of life, providing protection from external elements. Modern cities in Indonesia face significant challenges, notably a housing crisis. In the first half of 2023, Medan saw an 7.4% rise in property price, driven partly by properties used as investment assets, especially strategically located lands bought by developers. These lands often transform into luxurious residences, unaffordable for the majority, exacerbating the situation due to high urbanization rates. This not only raises home prices but also poses the risk of a Housing Bubble, a speculative phenomenon dangerous for the economy, potentially leading to an economic crisis. Additionally, it contributes to urban sprawl, uncontrolled city development, leading to increased travel times and reduced green spaces. To address these issues, vertical housing solutions like apartments are proposed, but societal preferences and cultural norms pose challenges. The majority prefers landed houses due to cultural and property ownership beliefs. To bridge this gap, a cost-effective and culturally suitable vertical housing model is proposed: the "Kampung Susun" or vertical village. This concept emphasizes flexibility, productivity, and communal living, fostering social interactions and economic activities. The design incorporates tropical architecture principles, addressing tropical climate challenges for comfort, energy efficiency, and cost savings. The aim is to create a mass-applicable, community-friendly vertical housing solution that differentiates itself from conventional apartments by incorporating an "Indonesian" approach, potentially increasing interest and acceptance among the Indonesian population.